Joe Hockey

The Minister for Financial Services and Regulation

21 October 1998 - 26 November 2001

Media Release of 16/07/99

NO. FSR/034

U.S. GIANT MAKES AUSTRALIA HOME

The
Minister for Financial Services & Regulation, Joe Hockey, today announced that a major
US company, First Data Corporation, will spend $20 million setting up its Asia Pacific
Regional Data Processing Centre in Australia and establish a new credit card account
processing business here.

"First Data is one of the world's largest players in the electronic transactions
market. This is a significant vote of confidence in Australia as a centre for global
financial services," the Minister said.

"This decision will mean up to 250 jobs in information technology and customer
support roles over the next five years."

"This decision is an acknowledgment of Australia's significant competitive
advantages. These include the availability of skilled personnel in the Australian
workforce and our excellent telecommunications infrastructure."

First Data Resources Australia has become the country's largest, independent provider,
handling more than 400 million transactions a yearon behalf of clients such as the
major banks, credit unions, governments, large retailers and utilities providers.

Invest Australia worked with First Data in Australia and the US to secure the
investment, despite strong competition from other major centres in the Asia Pacific.